Running with the Pack

Running with the pack is and always has been the ultimate goal.  After many weeks of getting ready the pup should now be up for a run with the big dogs.

Some hound owners may say that you should put your pup with some older and slower hounds, but not me.  I start them with the same pack they will someday join.  Some young hounds may stand back and watch the action while others hit the ground running.  We all hope for the ready to pack and run pup.

To keep your pup sharp and able to work a track on their own, you should continue solo runs in addition to running with the pack.  For every one (1) Pack Run, I recommend four (4) Solo Runs.  This gives your young hound opportunity to learn independence and how to honor and work with the pack.
When these first runs with the pack are during hunting season, your pup may just get to hear the sound of a gun.  The first time they hear shots fired it is good that they are some distance from the gun and that they are in full cry with the pack.

Most young hounds will not have any reaction to the gun.  Some may shy away and need some conditioning to the sound of gun fire.

While this is a grand plan, I must admit I always have problems keeping this schedule.  Pups that are born before June will normally be ready to run with the pack before the end of rabbit season.  Those born latter in the summer will not.  This presents my problem.  No place to run.

When rabbit hunting season closes the end of February, we then have turkey season for March and April.      (No Dogs Allowed to Run During Turkey Season)  When May finally gets here it is as hot as blazes here in South Mississippi.  You may be able to slip in a few night-time or early morning runs, but not many.

Pups that are born during late summer may not get to join into many runs with the pack until next years season when they are over a year old.  This may or may not be a bad thing.  I had one young female born in late Sept.  She was soloing by the end of February. She had lots of time during the months to come to learn her trade before joining the pack the following fall.  At just over a year old she was running like a pro.

Pumpkin Loves to Run the Front of the Pack.

 While this plan for running young hounds, with the pack is my target for success, you may have to deviate from the plan to meet the situation at hand.

  There is no better sound than six or more yellow hounds charging after one bunny.

I love to see hounds that can work together like a team.  Every hound, all packed up tight, and running in full cry.
Every young hound must learn to trail and jump every bunny they can, but they must also learn to honor and join other members of the pack when a bunny is up and running.
When a race is in progress all hounds should be putting the heat on that one bunny.  They should work every loose together and stay after the bunny all the way to the gun.
Any hounds, young or old that leave the pack to trail or run on their own must be pulled in to run with the team.  Even when they have a bunny up and running, I will stop a solo runner and put them back with the pack.  I like for all hounds and hunters to focus on one bunny at a time.   Keeping the pack together allows me to maintain control and keep track of my little hunting buddies.

At the conclusion of every race, (bunny bagged, lost or treed) I look around and account for all members of the pack.

 We then move off in a direction of my choice in pursuit of the next bunny.  When a well trained pack of hounds hunt like one dog, you get the desired speed, drive and ability with lots more cry and excitement.  At the end of each days hunt your little hunting buddies will be with you when you return to your truck.